Keyboard machine with sequentially responsive printing means

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for automatically setting a sequence of code combinations in a teleprinter or other keyboard machine comprising a series of setting members, each arranged, when preset by a movement in a first direction to initiate a cycle of operation of a motor-driven universal member which drives the preset member in a second direction to set a group of code bars in accordance with the code combination pertaining to the said member and then permits the said member to be restored resiliently to its inoperative position, and a plurality of keys for presetting corresponding setting members, one of these said corresponding setting members being connected to a further one of the setting members by a linkage which presets the further setting member when the said one member is driven in the said second direction.

United States Patent [54] KEYBOARD MACHINE WITH SEQUENTIALLY RESPONSIVEPRINTING MEANS 4 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 197/7, 197/14, 197/17 [5 1] Int. Cl B4lj 3/00 [50] Fieldoi'Search 197/l4,7,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,289,804 12/1966 Schaefer197/7 3,306,417 2/1967 Gassino et al 197/17 Primary Examiner-Edgar S.Burr Attorney-Birch, Swindler, McKie & Beckett ABSTRACT: An apparatusfor automatically setting a sequence of code combinations in ateleprinter or other keyboard machine comprising a series of settingmembers, each arranged, when preset by a movement in a first directionto initiate a cycle of operation of a motor-driven universal memberwhich drives the preset member in a second direction to set a group ofcode bars in accordance with the code combination pertaining to the saidmember and then permits the said member to be restored resiliently toits inoperative position, and a plurality of keys for presettingcorresponding setting members, one of these said corresponding settingmembers being connected to a further one of the setting members by alinkage which presets the further setting member when the said onemember is driven in the said second direction.

PATENIEU nm 5 Ian KEYBOARD MACHINE WITH SEQUENTIALLY RESPONSIVE PRINTINGMEANS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION Applicants claim priorityfrom corresponding Italian Patent Application Ser. No. 53042-A/67, filedSept. 16, 1967, now Italian Patent No. 813,572.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention relates to an apparatus for automatically setting a sequenceof code combinations for teleprinters, typewriters, calculatingmachines, accounting machines and other such keyboard machinescomprising a series of keys for setting code combinations by presettingsetting members. The preset setting member is then driven by a universalmember adapted to be actuated cyclically by motor on the setting of eachof the keys to shift the setting member so as to set the code bars ofthe machine.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various arrangements for settingsequences of code combinations are known, involving a series of settingmembers each adapted to set a code combination of the sequence and oneof which is preset on the depression of a sequence release key. In knownarrangements of the aforesaid type, repeated codes are generally set bykeeping the relative key depressed manually for the required number ofsetting operations, so that the arrangement requires the attention ofthe operator.

In a known arrangement, it has been proposed to set the sequence ofcharacters forming the words THE and AND recurring in the Englishlanguage by means of the same key for setting the first letter of thesequence, this key being adapted to be set in two different positions inthe case of the single character and in the case of the sequence. Inthis arrangement, each lever of the key is provided with a rotaryelement adapted to prearrange the corresponding setting member.

The code combinations of the sequence are set by another series ofsetting members provided with projections offset so as to be engaged insequence by the element of the lever controlling the sequence, thislatter element being rotated step by step when the preceding settingmember is restored to its rest position. This arrangement is thereforevery complicated and costly and its operation is sensitive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention thereis provided an apparatus for automatically setting a sequence of codecombinations comprising:

A series of keys for setting corresponding code combinations,

A series of setting members each adapted to be shifted in a firstdirection to selectively set a group of code bars in accordance with oneof said code combinations, each of said setting members being shiftablein a second direction upon the movement of the corresponding key to bepreset for actuation,

A universal member adapted to be actuated cyclically by motor upon thesetting of each of the keys to shift the preset member from aninoperative position to an operative position to set said code bars andthen to allow said setting member to be restored resiliently to theinoperative position,

A further series of setting members each adapted to set a codecombination of the said sequence of code combinations, a setting memberin said further series being preset upon the movement of a sequencerelease key, at least one of said setting members in said further seriesbeing adapted so that, when shifted into the operative position, amember associated therewith is actuated to cause the setting of saidsetting member in accordance with the subsequent code combination ofsaid sequence of code combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONReferring to FIG. 1, the transmission code bars 3 of a teleprinter canbe set selectively and are adapted to remain from time to time in theposition reached. The bars 3 are all alike and can rock about pairs ofpivots 4 disposed at the ends of the bars on their longitudinal axes andjournaled in the frame of the machine. The bars 3 are adapted in thisway to represent the various code combinations. The bars 3 are set by aseries of sliders 6 slidably mounted in fixed rear and front combs 7 and8. In correspondence with each bar 3, each slider 6 is provided with along projection 9 or a short projection 11, these projections beingadapted to act on the corresponding bar 3 at diametrically oppositepositions. More particularly, a projection 9 is adapted to swing thecorresponding bar 3 counterclockwise, while a projection 11 is adaptedto swing it clockwise,whereby the bars 3 are positioned positively.

Each slider 6 is shifted to the rear by a corresponding setting memberconstituted by a slider 12 sliding on a fixed rod 13 and normally heldengaged in the position shown in FIG. I, in opposition to the action ofa spring 14, by a latch 15. The latch is normally held so that it bearsagainst a fixed bar 16 by a spring 17 and engages by means of a notch 18with a lug 19 of a shank 20 slidable vertically in a fixed comb 21.Fixed to the shank 20 is a corresponding key 22 for setting a codecombination, for example a writing key or a coded-function key.

The slider 12 is moreover provided with a projection 23 adapted tocooperate with a universal bar 24 adapted to control a cycle of a mainshaft, not shown in the drawing, in the manner described in US. Pat. No.3,306,417. During this cycle, a lug 25 fulcrumed on a spindle 26 isrocked first clockwise and then counterclockwise to cooperate with ashoulder 27 provided on each of the sliders 12.

When a key 22 is depressed, its latch 15 is turned about the point ofcontact with the bar 16 and releases the slider 12. The slider is swungby the spring 14 and, on the one hand, acts by means of the projection23 on the universal bar 24 to start a cycle of the main shaft and, onthe other hand, brings the shoulder 27 into the path of lug 25. Duringthe cycle, the lug 25 pushes the slider 12 firstly to the rear (i.e. theleft in FIG. 1) and this slider reengages the latch 15 and also acts onthe corresponding slider 6, so setting the code bars 3. Thereafter, thelug 25 returns to rest, as a result of which the spring 14 returns theslider 12 in the forward direction. The slider 12, however, cannotproduce another cycle unless the key 22 is first released and depressedagain, in manner known per se.

There will now be described by the way of example an arrangement forautomatically setting the sequence of three codes CARRIAGE RETURN,"LINE-SPACING, CAR- RIAGE RETURN which is used to make the carriage ofthe machine shift to a fresh line which is to be printed. The last codecombination CARRIAGE RETURN" of the sequence, which is normallyredundant, is used, however, for safety. This arrangement comprises asequence release key 29 (FIG. 2) carried by a shank 30 slidablevertically in the fixed comb 21 and provided with a lug 31 engaged in anotch 32 in a latch 33 equivalent to the latches 15 (FIG. I) andnormally bearing against the fixed bar 16 through the action of a spring34 (FIG. 2). a

The latch 33 holds a setting member or slider 36 engaged in oppositionto the action of a spring 35, the slider 36 being similar to the slidersI2 (FIG. I) and adapted to engage a corresponding slider 37 similar tothe sliders 6 (FIG. 1) and the projections 9 and 11 of which aredisposed in accordance with the first code combination of the sequenceto be set on the bars 3 (FIG. 1). The slider 36 is moreover providedwith an arcuate slot 38 in which is engaged a pin 39 on a bail 40. Thelatter can turn on a fixed rod 41 and is pivoted to a slider 42 slidablevertically in two fixed guides 43. The slider 42 is provided with a lug44 adapted to cooperate with a shoulder 45 of a second latch 46 like thelatch 15, (FIG. 1) which is normally made to bear against the fixed bar16 by the action of a spring 47 and is engaged by means of a notch 48with a fixed lug 49.

The latch 46 nonnally keeps engaged, in opposition to the action of aspring 50, a second setting member or slider 51 like the setting member36 and adapted to engage a corresponding slider 52 the projections 9 and11 of which are disposed in accordance with the second code combinationof the sequence tobesetonthebars3.

The slider 51 is moreover provided with an arcuate slot 53 in which isengaged a pin 54 on another bail 56 which can turn on the rod 41 and ispivoted to a slider 57 similar to the slider 42 and slidable verticallyin two fixed guides 58. The slider 57 is provided with a lug 59 adaptedto cooperate with a shoulder 61 of a third latch 62 similar to thelatches 33 and 46 and provided with a notch 63 engaged by another fixedlug 64.

The latch 62 normally keeps engaged, in opposition to the action of aspring 65, a third setting member or slider 67 adapted to engage acorresponding slider 68 the projections 9 and l l of which are disposedin accordance with the third code combination of the sequence to be seton the bars 3.

Each of the sliders 36, 51 and 67 is provided with a projection 69adapted to act on the universal bar 24 (FIG. 1) in an identical mannerto the projection 23 of the sliders 12, (FIG. 1) and with a shoulder 70(FIG. 2) adapted to cooperate with the lug 25 in an identical manner tothe shoulder 27 of the sliders 12 (FIG. 1).

The arrangements for automatically setting three code combinationsoperates in the following manner.

n depression of the key 29 (FIG. 2), the shank 30 turns the latch 33 bymeans of the lug 31 about the point of contact with the bar 16. Thelatch 33 then releases the slider 36, which through the action of thespring 35, turns clockwise about the rod 13 without affecting the pin 39of the bail 40 because of the arcuate form of the slot 38. The slider 36then brings its shoulder 70 into the path of the lug 25 (FIG. 1) andalso acts through the medium of its projection 69 (FIG. 2) on theuniversal bar 24 (FIG. 1), thereby producing a cycle, as in the case ofthe depression of the key 22. During this cycle, the lug 25 acts on theshoulder 70 (FIG. 2) of the slider 36 and pushes it to the rear. Theslider 36 now acts on the corresponding slider 37 which sets the codebars 3 (FIG. 1) by means of the projections 9 and 11 in accordance withthe first code combination of the sequence.

While the slider 36 reengages the latch 33 as it shifts to the rear, itcauses the bail 40 to turn counterclockwise (as viewed from the left inFIG. 2) by means of the pin 39 and shift the slider 42 upwardly. Bymeans of its lug, this slider causes the latch 46 to turn about the lug49 and then release the slider 51. This spring 50 now swings the slider51 clockwise about the rod 13, without affecting the bail 56 because ofthe arcuate form of the slot 53, until the slider 51 bears temporarilyagainst the lug 25 (FIGS. 1 and 2) which is completing the settingstroke of the slider 36.

At the same time, the projection 69 of the slider 36 leaves the bar 24(FIG. 1), while the projection 69 of the slider 51 is brought intocontact with the bar 24 and therefore keeps it in the shifted position.At the end of the return stroke of the lug 25, the slider 51 brings itsshoulder 70 into the path of the lug 25, while, since its projection 69is keeping the bar 24 in the shifted position, a second cycle of themain shaft begins.

The lug 25 now shifts the slider 51 to the rear, as in the case of theslider 36, causing the shifting of the corresponding slider 52 whichsets the bars 3 by means of the projections 9 and 11 in accordance withthe second code combination of the sequence. At the same time, theslider 51 causes the bail 56 to turn counterclockwise by means of thepin 54 and shift the slider 57 upwardly. By means of the lug 59, thisslider causes the latch 62 to turn and the latch releases the slider 67in a similar manner to the slider 51. The projection 69 of the slider 51now leaves the bar 24 (FIG. 1), while the projection 69 of the slider 67is brought into contact with the bar 24, therefore still keeping it inthe shifted position and producing a third cycle of the main shaft.

The lug 25 (FIG. 1) now shifts the slider 67, which acts on thecorresponding slider 68, thereby setting the bars 3 in accordance withthe third code combination of the sequence. At the same time, theprojection of the slider 67 leaves the bar 24, which returns to rest inthe position of FIG. 1 so that at the end of the cycle the main shaftstops.

Obviously, the sequence CARRIAGE RETURN, LINE- SPACING, CARRIAGE RETURNis preferable to another sequence of these particular code combinations,such as CAR- RIAGE RETURN, CARRIAGE RETURN, LINE-SPACING, since if theoperator depresses any key by mistake while the last code combination ofthe sequence is being set on the bars 3 the loss of the redundant codecombination occurs and does not affect the setting of the fresh line.

It is therefore clear that at least one setting member 36 in the lastseries of setting members 36, 51 and 67, when it is set in the operativeposition, actuates a slider 42 associated therewith to cause theprearrangement of the setting member 51 pertaining to the followingcombination of the sequence.

If the bail 56, the latch 62 and the sliders 67 and 68 are eliminated,the arrangement described can be used for return to the beginning, thatis return of the carriage followed by linespacing. Moreover, if thethree sliders 37, 52 and 68 are identical, the arrangement described canbe used to set a sequence of combinations equal, for example, to treblezero in a calculating or accounting machine. Obviously, various othermodifications are possible.

We claim:

1. A device for automatically setting a sequence of code combinationsfor a keyboard controlled apparatus having a group of code barsselectively positionable in one of a pair of positions to represent codecombinations, a series of depressible keys, a series of setting membersassociated with said keys and individually shiftable to an operativeposition to selectively position said code bars according to acorresponding code combination, a series of latches each one connectedto one of said keys and nonnally latching the associated setting memberin an inoperative position, each one of said keys upon being depressedconditioning the latch connected thereto to release the correspondingsetting member, spring means for bringing the released setting memberfrom said inoperative position to a preset position, and a universalmember responsive to the presetting of any of said setting members forbeing cyclically power operated to shift the preset setting member fromsaid preset position to said operative position, wherein the improvementcomprises:

an additional key depressible for starting the setting of a sequence ofcode combinations,

an additional number of setting members presettable to be shifted in apredetermined order by said universal member from a preset position toan operative position for sequentially positioning a plurality of codebars according to said sequence of code combinations,

an additional number of latches associated with said additional numberof setting members and normally latching said number of setting membersin an inoperative position,

spring means for bringing the setting members of said number from theirinoperative position to their preset position when released by theassociated latches, the latch associated with the first setting memberof said number in the order of said sequence being conditioned by thedepression of said additional key to release the associated settingmember,

an intermediary linkage connected to each setting member of said numberbut the last one, and

an element on each of said linkage being effective upon shifting theassociated setting member to engage the latch associated with the nextfollowing setting member of said number in the order of said sequence.

2. In a keyboard controlled apparatus having a plurality of code barsselectively positionable to represent various code combinations and aset of first setting members each operable in response to the depressingof an associated operating key to position one of said code bars, meansfor sequentially setting a series of codes upon said code barscomprising:

a set of second setting members for sequentially setting a series ofcodes in a predetermined sequence, each of said second setting membersbeing cyclically drivable in response to a mechanical input signal froman inoperative position to an operating position and then back to saidinoperative position, said first and second sets of setting memberspositioning said code bars when in said operating position, sequence keyseparate from said operating keys and operatively associated with thefirst one of said second setting members in said sequence, said sequencekey providing said mechanical input signal to said first one of saidsecond setting members in said sequence, and means interconnecting saidsecond set of setting members to provide sequential operation thereof,said interconnecting means comprising a plurality of linkages connectedbetween sequentially adjacent ones of said second setting members forproviding said mechanical input signal to each succeeding one of saidsecond setting members in said sequence in response to the movement ofeach preceding one of said second setting members in said sequence fromsaid inoperative position to said operative position, whereby said firstone of said second setting members in said sequence is provided withsaid mechanical input signal by depressing said sequence key and saidsecond setting members succeeding in said sequence are each providedwith said mechanical input signal by said second setting memberimmediately preceding in said sequence.

3. A keyboard controlled apparatus according to claim 2 furthercomprising a latch retaining each of said second setting members in saidinoperative position and resilient means for moving each of said secondsetting members into engagement with cyclic drive means for moving saidsecond setting member cyclically from said inoperative position to saidoperating position and then back to said inoperative position, when saidlatch is released, said latch being released by said mechanical inputsignal.

4. A keyboard controlled apparatus according to claim 3 wherein saidsecond setting members move linearly, and each of said connectinglinkages comprises a pivotally mounted lever engaging said precedingsecond setting member and pivoting in response to movement of saidpreceding second setting member toward said operating position, a latchrelease lever connected to said latch of said succeeding second settingmembers, and means connecting said latch release member and saidpivotally mounted lever and moving said latch release lever in responseto movement of said pivotally mounted lever.

1. A device for automatically setting a sequence of code combinationsfor a keyboard controlled apparatus having a group of code barsselectively positionable in one of a pair of positions to represent codecombinations, a series of depressible keys, a series of setting membersassociated with said keys and individually shiftable to an operativeposition to selectively position said code bars according to acorresponding code combination, a series of latches each one connectedto one of said keys and normallY latching the associated setting memberin an inoperative position, each one of said keys upon being depressedconditioning the latch connected thereto to release the correspondingsetting member, spring means for bringing the released setting memberfrom said inoperative position to a preset position, and a universalmember responsive to the presetting of any of said setting members forbeing cyclically power operated to shift the preset setting member fromsaid preset position to said operative position, wherein the improvementcomprises: an additional key depressible for starting the setting of asequence of code combinations, an additional number of setting memberspresettable to be shifted in a predetermined order by said universalmember from a preset position to an operative position for sequentiallypositioning a plurality of code bars according to said sequence of codecombinations, an additional number of latches associated with saidadditional number of setting members and normally latching said numberof setting members in an inoperative position, spring means for bringingthe setting members of said number from their inoperative position totheir preset position when released by the associated latches, the latchassociated with the first setting member of said number in the order ofsaid sequence being conditioned by the depression of said additional keyto release the associated setting member, an intermediary linkageconnected to each setting member of said number but the last one, and anelement on each of said linkage being effective upon shifting theassociated setting member to engage the latch associated with the nextfollowing setting member of said number in the order of said sequence.2. In a keyboard controlled apparatus having a plurality of code barsselectively positionable to represent various code combinations and aset of first setting members each operable in response to the depressingof an associated operating key to position one of said code bars, meansfor sequentially setting a series of codes upon said code barscomprising: a set of second setting members for sequentially setting aseries of codes in a predetermined sequence, each of said second settingmembers being cyclically drivable in response to a mechanical inputsignal from an inoperative position to an operating position and thenback to said inoperative position, said first and second sets of settingmembers positioning said code bars when in said operating position, asequence key separate from said operating keys and operativelyassociated with the first one of said second setting members in saidsequence, said sequence key providing said mechanical input signal tosaid first one of said second setting members in said sequence, andmeans interconnecting said second set of setting members to providesequential operation thereof, said interconnecting means comprising aplurality of linkages connected between sequentially adjacent ones ofsaid second setting members for providing said mechanical input signalto each succeeding one of said second setting members in said sequencein response to the movement of each preceding one of said second settingmembers in said sequence from said inoperative position to saidoperative position, whereby said first one of said second settingmembers in said sequence is provided with said mechanical input signalby depressing said sequence key and said second setting memberssucceeding in said sequence are each provided with said mechanical inputsignal by said second setting member immediately preceding in saidsequence.
 3. A keyboard controlled apparatus according to claim 2further comprising a latch retaining each of said second setting membersin said inoperative position and resilient means for moving each of saidsecond setting members into engagement with cyclic drive means formoving said second setting member cyclically from said inoperativeposition to said operating position And then back to said inoperativeposition, when said latch is released, said latch being released by saidmechanical input signal.
 4. A keyboard controlled apparatus according toclaim 3 wherein said second setting members move linearly, and each ofsaid connecting linkages comprises a pivotally mounted lever engagingsaid preceding second setting member and pivoting in response tomovement of said preceding second setting member toward said operatingposition, a latch release lever connected to said latch of saidsucceeding second setting members, and means connecting said latchrelease member and said pivotally mounted lever and moving said latchrelease lever in response to movement of said pivotally mounted lever.